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Robert Smithwick Obituary
A celebration of his life will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Cook Inlet Academy in Soldotna. Rob was born in Warsaw, Ind., on Nov. 17, 1968, to Larry and Shari Smithwick and moved to Alaska in the late 1970s. He grew up in Anchorage, where he spent his school days at Grace Christian School and his summers commercial fishing in Ninilchik. After marrying his high school sweetheart, Jenny Davis, he moved to the Kenai Peninsula, where he has been the owner and operator of Pizza Boys for nearly 20 years. The couple has been blessed with five beautiful children.
Mr. Smithwick is remembered as an amazing athlete, all-star golfer, pizza-maker extraordinaire, comedian, and a deeply loved husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. He was passionate, extravagant, compassionate, generous, unique, thoughtful, unselfish, and a great listener. His infectious laughter brightened the lives of many.
He spoiled his family and friends with his amazing cooking, massaging, and endless other acts of service. He provided endless entertainment with his crazy antics and priceless stories. He specialized in upholstering luxury chairs and making cozy slippers for his family and friends. He loved yard work and poured himself into cultivating a green, flower-filled oasis for his family. He left his wife with 170 rose bushes which he personally planted for her. He loved his family, his employees, his customers, and looked forward with great anticipation to the day he would see his Lord face to face.
His family cites this Bible verse from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14: "And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died."
Mr. Smithwick was preceded in death by his sister, Erin Smithwick; grandparents, Bob Smithwick, and Floyd and Laura Moine; his mother-in-law, Lois Davis; and nieces Samantha, Jesse and Kadee Jo Davis.
Mr. Smithwick is survived by his wife, Jenny; his daughter, Amie; his sons, Robbie, Riley, Timmy and Johnny; his parents, Larry and Shari Smithwick; his brother, Eric Smithwick; his in-laws, John and Mary Jo Davis; and his much loved brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews and a few "adopted" children he collected along the way.
Please take a moment to share memories of Rob at robsmithwick.blogspot.com. His family and friends wish to thank the community for its generous outpouring of goodwill and prayers.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating toward the education of Mr. Smithwick's children through a memorial fund at Alaska USA, listed as "Rob Smithwick Memorial Fund".
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Smithwick
Bob and Angel Holt
September 22, 2011
Life is so precious, make each day count as if it were your last. Christ is waiting for each of us with open arms, just like he was waiting for Rob. "Do not be afraid, for I am with you always."
Ray an Val Nabinger
September 27, 2010
Larry, Shari,
Ray an I were so sorry to hear about Rob. Although we haven't seen you for years, our thoughts are with you our brother, our sister.
Much love,
The Nabingers
Carolyn Cline
August 8, 2010
When we heard of Robert's death the next day on July 22nd, we were so saddened by this tragic accident. A week later on July 28th, we had a friend of ours, who was 69 years old, fall into the Kenai River while fishing off of the bank near the bridge at a private dock. We were so upset, but thankful that our friend's wife and I were there to help him get out of that cold fast water at 9:15pm. When I saw our friend fall into the Kenai river, I realized how quickly and easily it can happen to anyone fishing on that river.
We meet Rob on July 7th when we first arrived in Soldotna from Florida at the Pizza Boys Restaurant. He was such a kind and helpful person to us and even invited us to use his Internet connection for my son's laptop. I wish to send Robert's family and friends our heartfelt condolences and may God help mend your hearts. Knowing that he is with Jesus will help those who cared so much for him with their grief. I am so very sorry for your loss. He was such a good and kind man who had such a warm and genuine smile. May God Bless your family always.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Cline Brandon, Florida
Baxters
August 7, 2010
Dear Jenny and children, Larry, Shari, and Eric - We were so sad to hear about Robbie. Although we haven't seen him since he was a little tike at Anchorage Grace, we remember him so well. What a fine young man in the photo. We know your loss is beyond words. May the Lord comfort you and hold you very close. We join with all our brothers and sisters in praying for you all. For now, we extend our heartfelt sympathy, but know that there will be celebration someday in the future when the day comes to join Rob and our Father.
Ramah Lee Stewart
August 6, 2010
Dear Larry and Shari,
I was so saddened when Kathy sent word of your son's death. As I opened the email containing his picture and the synopsis of his life, I saw how much Rob looks like you did, Larry, when I knew you and Shari during our years at Grace College. I am so sorry for your loss and know there are many people around the country who are praying for your entire family at this difficult time.
August 3, 2010
I was so saddened to hear about Robbie. I have not known him for over 20 years so the obituary that was so well written, filled in the time that passed. What a delight and joy he was. Many sincere condolances to Jenny and Children and to Larry, Shari and Eric. Love and Prayers, Jill(and Lee)Waters, Covington, WA.
Shawna Oliver
August 2, 2010
To the Smithwick family~
My heart and prayers are with you all at this time and always. Robbie will be deeply missed. It comforts me to know that Robbie rededicated his life to Christ some time ago and that we will all be together with Christ very soon. And Robbie will meet us there with that unforgetable smile of his, God bless you all
Cher (Cunningham) Potts
August 1, 2010
My heart and prayers go out to his family and all those that knew him. I am so very sorry for your loss and pray for the Lord to give you peace and comfort until you can be reunited in heaven.
- Grace Brethren school mate
Wendi Holt-Janes
August 1, 2010
Jenny & kids, Larry Shari & Eric
My heartfelt condolences to you all. You have all Been in my prayers, and may the Lord give you strength and comfort during this time. If it were not for Robbie I would not have had the privilege of attending Grace Christian School, he took me to Burger King on Dimond and told me of all the great things that were at GCS, and convinced me to attend. So for that I will forever be grateful to him.
July 31, 2010
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. May your faith and hope (Hebrews 11:1) help you to endure. Your family and friends are in my prayers.
Bob & Angel Holt
July 31, 2010
Larry, Shari, Eric, Jenny and Family - While we will never know this side of Heaven why this tragedy occurred, we do know that it was in God's plan to call Rob home now. The picture of Rob looks like a more mature son, husband and father of the basketball player we knew at Grace Christian so many years ago. The young basketball player who was known for his ability to fake a foul by throwing himself on the floor in just the right manner to get that free throw shot. What an awesome memory of an awesome person. Our hearts hurt for your loss, but rejoice in knowing that we will see him again. We Love You.
Janelle Sheveland
July 31, 2010
Jenny, kids, Larry, Shari, Eric: It has been a very long time since I have had the chance to see you all. I have very fond memories growing up of Robbie and Eric as my big brothers. I was on the receiving end of a lot of teasing (only the way big brothers can!) As well as my protectors in school. I can still hear "California Girls" by the Beach Boys being sung down the halls at school when I was within sight of either of them! There were MANY holidays and Shakey's Pizza dinners spent together. I will always remember a lot of laughter whenever Robbie was around. To Larry and Shari, you guys were another set of parents to me and i love you both!
To Robbie's kids, I am sorry I have never gotten a chance to meet you guys. Your dad was a great guy! He was so much fun to be around and talk to. You have an great family and I know you all will do amazing things with your lives and your dad will be so proud of you all!
My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Janelle (Mapes), Jeff, Jadon and Maggie Sheveland
Wayne & Linda Drumm
July 31, 2010
We are so very sorry for your loss, praise God that you can all still be together again one day, may His strength keep you going at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as God's arms are around you, find comfort there!
July 31, 2010
Dearest Jenny, Larry and Shari, it's been years since our paths have crossed but it doesn't take away the memories that we have all shared...the early days of Anchorage Grace and the school...it seems like only yesterday that Robbie was playing basketball at Grace and I still remember all the crazy hot lunch lines with Eric leading the pack as the little brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and we are rejoicing that one day soon we will all be reunited for all Eternity. And Jenny, you have 4 sons and 1 daughter just like us...I can still see you in aerobics class before you and Robbie got married...oh, how time flies....blessings to you all! Susie and Jamie Welch
Amber McMillen
July 30, 2010
Rob was a good friend of the family... I remembered him since the age of 10yrs old. He was a great and loveing soul! When I think of rob... Laughter & his smile is seen mostly :)
know that he is a peace and is watching his loved ones... He will be missed dearly!!!
Paul Getman
July 30, 2010
Larry, Shari, Jenny and Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this troubling time.
andrea mcmillen
July 30, 2010
I loved you once,love you still,i always have, i always will.Rob may you rest in peace. We will always remember your smile, and your heart. May we all remember the great memories that we all had with our dear departed friend.God Bless.
Jeanne Deese
July 30, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss and have been praying for you all since Kathy Harris let me know. What a wonderful father and husband Robbie must have been; praying our Mighty God will comfort and strengthen you all as you go forward. I rejoice with you to know Robbie is with the Lord! Keeping you all in prayer. Jeanne Deese, Monroe, NC
Terry & Sharon White
July 30, 2010
Larry and Shari:
Though we never knew your children, we share your pain because our daughter went to be with the Lord in 2006. We're so sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort and peace.
Michele Beers
July 30, 2010
Smithwicks,
The entire Beers family (Monette, Scott, Michele, Robert) would like to offer our condolences....the three of us went to school with Robbie and Eric and have wonderful memories of Pastor Larry/Shari too....we are all living in Minnesota now and wish we could be there in person.....
we miss all of our Grace family very much!
our thoughts and prayers are with you always....
Michele
July 30, 2010
Dear Shari and Larry, Every day, you fill my thoughts and though I can't be with you, it is more wonderful to know that the God of all Comfort is there for you. You are in my prayers throughout each day.
Though I haven't seen Robbie since he was 16 years old, I loved him though the eyes of his parents, my dear friends, Shari and Larry.
All my love to my grieving friends.
Cynthia Menez, Redding, California
Loren, Berne & Jan Dalman
July 30, 2010
To a very special family: Our hearts are broken over Robbie's passing - but we praise the Lord for the wonderful memories we have of Rob and the rest of the family. Love in Him, Loren, Berne & Jan
Cathy Boyd
July 30, 2010
Thinking of you all as you celebrate his life. Someday (SOON,LORD) our celebration ALL together will be very sweet.
Cindy Baucom
July 30, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. We will be praying for you all for strength, comfort and peace. May God surround you with His love.
Yvonne Isakson
July 30, 2010
Sending our thoughts, prayers and love.
Valerie Barger
July 30, 2010
I have known Robbie since he was a rambunctious and darling less than 1 year old boy. He was hard not to like and a joy to chat with as an adult. My love to his family.
Mary Boots
July 30, 2010
Dear Larry, Shari, and All,
I'm so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
S. Lowry
July 30, 2010
Dearest Jenny & Family ~
My deepest condolences and prayers are with you and your beautiful children. I met Rob 18 years ago, when the shop was on K Beach. Rob was just cool, all of the kids wanted to hang out in his store. He was kind and generous to everyone he met. I have many fond memories of him, like many people in the community do. I hope you hear them all, I pray they will bring you comfort. I know his amazing spirit will be honored.
Christina Tattoed
July 29, 2010
My thoughts and prays are with his loving family. Each day will get a little easier. Christina Tattoed (Getchell)
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